Two games back in the Premier League have yielded two defeats for newly promoted Burnley.
Following their 1-0 defeat to Swansea City on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium, there is cause for some optimism for the Clarets but life back in the top-flight has been a huge learning curve so far.
[RELATED: Swansea City 1-0 Burnley]
Manager Sean Dyche will be pleased that his side carved out plenty of good chances in the second half against Swansea but won’t be as delighted that his team didn’t manage to take any of them.
With zero points on the board and game against Manchester United coming up next, the Clarets must adjust to the pace of the PL quicker than they have so far.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Dyche revealed he urged his players on at half time as they continue to grow into life back in the top-flight.“It’s disappointing that we didn’t come away with anything, but you could see the growth from us,” Dyche said. “In the second half we were excellent. Sometimes when you are promoted you are wondering if you belong here. In the first half we showed them too much respect and at half-time I said ‘go out and express yourselves’. The movement, energy and determination was good, but we have to learn quickly.
“You have to remember what you are and believe in what you are. We knew this would be a challenge, a difficult one, and we are enjoying the way the team are operating, but we need to get points on the board.”
Lukas Jutkiewicz missed a great chance with a header from close range in the second half, while he and Danny Ings caused plenty of problems to Swansea’s defense throughout. However sloppy defensive play cost them their first point of the season and that shone through in their 3-1 opening day defeat to Chelsea too.
That extra belief needs to come soon for Burnley, as only a handful of their players have ever had Premier League experience. With games against Sunderland and Crystal Palace coming up in September, Dyche will be earmarking those matches as ones his side should be getting points from.
Slowly but surely the Clarets have been adapting to life in the PL but they must adjust quicker, and have more belief in themselves, before it’s too late.